What are the Types of Steel Bushing Used in Industrial Machinery?

Bushings are used in a wide variety of industrial machinery. They are able to absorb and transfer a large amount of energy to reduce heat, thereby protecting components from mechanical damage. They also help prevent steam leakage and lubrication failure.

The material used to manufacture the bushing is an important factor in its performance. It needs to be hard enough to support the load and soft enough to protect the component that it is housing. It also needs to be durable enough to withstand the forces of rotation and shock loads.

Bronze and steel bushings are common choices for many industrial applications. They are strong and can withstand high temperatures, as well as offer excellent anti-friction and load-carrying capabilities. They are easily modified to handle additional load requirements by adding oil or grease grooves or self-lubricating graphite plugs.

Sintered bearings are manufactured by using a sintering process, which produces large pores that can be filled with lubricant (which is released under pressure). These bushings work exceptionally well in harsh operating conditions.

Plastic is another popular option, though it is not recommended for heavy loads. It tends to crack under a high load and is more likely to misalign if the manufacture or assembly is not precise, as is the case with off-the-shelf bushings.

Modern plastics have been designed to overcome previous concerns, such as heat sensitivity, softening or wear at elevated temperatures. They are especially useful in wet or humid environments, like dry kiln cart wheels at lumber drying facilities where water acts as a lubricant.